JCIO 59/25

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Craig Rydqvist JP, of the North London Local Justice Area with a reprimand, for failure, without a reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sittings required of a magistrate.

Facts

On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking which includes a commitment to sit for at least 13 days (or 26 half days) a year, and to complete all essential and compulsory training. If they fail to do so without an acceptable reason, they are expected to resign.

The summary process in the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023 enables a secretary of a conduct advisory committee to recommend a magistrate’s removal from office without further investigation where that magistrate has failed, without a reasonable excuse, to meet their minimum sittings requirement.

The London Conduct Advisory Committee (LCAC) recommended Mr Rydqvist’s removal from office after he failed to meet the applicable minimum sittings requirement in 2024/25 by a substantial margin. Mr Rydqvist had also failed to complete some mandatory training for newly appointed magistrates within a reasonable time frame.


Mr Rydqvist’s representations

In response to the LCAC’s recommendation for removal, Mr Rydqvist explained that his induction training, which is required before he can undertake sittings, had been postponed until mid-2024. He stated that this delay reduced the time available to complete his minimum required sittings for the 2024/25 period. Mr Rydqvist also noted that the uncertainty surrounding the timing of his training left him unsure when he would be able to fulfil his duties as a magistrate. As a result, he took on additional work responsibilities, which subsequently limited his ability to meet the required number of sittings.

He reiterated his commitment to reducing his work obligations in order to prioritise his judicial duties. He confirmed that he was on track to meet the minimum sittings requirement for 2025/26.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the LCAC that Mr Rydqvist had failed to meet the applicable minimum sittings requirement without reasonable excuse and had also failed to complete all essential and compulsory training. After careful consideration of the mitigation provided by Mr Rydqvist, as well as his improved sittings in the current year, the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor decided to issue him with a reprimand—the most serious sanction short of removal from office. 
 

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk 

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website